By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

The relationship between Greek and Phrygian languages has long intrigued scholars, particularly because of the potential linguistic connections that may hint at deeper cultural and historical ties between these ancient peoples. One of the most fascinating aspects of this relationship is the presence of a prehistoric Greek-Phrygian isogloss, as evidenced by inscriptions and etymological studies. This article will delve into the significance of this isogloss, focusing on the connections between the Mycenaean words wanax (ϝἄναξ) - lawagetas (λαϝαγἐτη) and their Phrygian counterparts, as well as the broader implications for our understanding of the interactions between these ancient cultures.

The Phrygian Inscription and the Midas Monument

A significant piece of evidence for the Greek-Phrygian isogloss comes from an inscription found at the Midas Monument, which dates back to the 8th century BC. The inscription, engraved on the upper left part of the monument and written in a dextroverse (left-to-right) direction, reads as follows:

ates : arkiaevaīs : akenanogavos : midaī : lavagtaeī : vanakteī : edaes.

This text has been translated as: "Attes, the son of Archias, the akenanogavos, made (it) for Midas, the leader (and) the king."

The words "lavagtaei" (λαϝαγέτη) and "vanaktei" (ἄνακτι) appear side by side, providing a direct link between the Phrygian and Greek languages. The term "vanaktei" is particularly notable, as it is derived from the Mycenaean Greek word wanax, which means "king" or "ruler."

The Etymology of Lafagetes and Wanax According to Historical-Comparative Linguistics and Common Indo-European Roots

The word wanax has been the subject of much scholarly debate, particularly regarding its etymology and its potential connections to other Indo-European languages. Until recently, wanax was considered a word of uncertain or unknown origin, with no convincing cognates identified in other languages. However, the research of scholars like Ivo Hajnal has provided new insights into its possible connections with Phrygian.

The etymology of the words lawagetes (λαϝαγἐτης) and wanax (ἄναξ) presents a rich field of study within historical-comparative linguistics, illustrating their deep Indo-European connections. Lawagetes (ra-wa-ke-ta) is derived from the components λαϝός meaning 'army' or 'to gather an army,' and the root hag- (ἄγω), meaning 'to lead or drive' (*leh₂mo-h₂eg-et-). This composite meaning of 'army leader' or 'commander' reflects the sociopolitical role of a leader in an early Greek context. The term wanax, similarly, is traced back to the Mycenaean word wa-na-ka and is often used to denote 'king' or 'ruler.' Its Indo-European roots appear connected to the notion of a leader or protector, with cognates potentially present in other Indo-European languages such as Sanskrit and Phrygian.

The analysis of wanax offers particular intrigue due to its parallel development with other Indo-European terms. According to Hajnal, the word wanax (or more accurately ϝανακτ-ς with the original digamma sound “ϝ”) shares morphological features with the word laϝagetes, both following a productive pattern in ancient Greek word formation. This pattern involves a thematic element and the suffixes (-t- and -s), which can be traced back to older Indo-European linguistic structures. The phonological evolution of wanax and its formation from roots like *h₂eǵ- ('to lead') highlights its meaning as a leader or authority figure, a concept mirrored in Phrygian and possibly even Sanskrit equivalents (*h₂n̥-h₂eg-et-s).

The comparative study of wanax in Greek and its counterparts in other Indo-European languages reveals the common cultural emphasis on rulership and protection. For instance, the Sanskrit word vaṇij- (meaning 'merchant') has been proposed as an etymological cousin to wanax, emphasizing the protector or leading role of figures like Indra, a god associated with kingship and power in early Indo-Aryan society. This comparison not only underlines the structural similarities between these languages but also reinforces the cultural and symbolic significance of leadership across the Indo-European world. As such, the words laϝagetes and wanax serve as linguistic relics of a shared Indo-European heritage, reflecting common themes of authority, protection, and social hierarchy.

Hajnal argues against the possibility of a Greek loanword in Phrygian, pointing to the presence of Phrygian anthroponyms such as Wanaxos, Wanaxon, or Wanaxion, which are formed based on the word wanak(t)s. This suggests a prehistoric isogloss—a shared linguistic feature—between Greek and Phrygian that predates their separation as distinct languages. This isogloss indicates a common linguistic heritage and possibly points to a period of intense interaction or even a shared linguistic ancestry between the Greeks and Phrygians.

The Greek word wanax itself has been linked to other Indo-European languages through various linguistic reconstructions. According to Hajnal, the word likely derives from a Proto-Indo-European root, and its morphology follows the same pattern as other ancient Greek words, such as λαγέτας (a leader or commander), which is itself related to wanax. This connection further strengthens the argument for a prehistoric isogloss and highlights the deep linguistic ties between Greek and Phrygian.

The Broader Implications of the Greek-Phrygian Isogloss

The existence of a Greek-Phrygian isogloss has significant implications for our understanding of the ancient world. First and foremost, it suggests that the Greeks and Phrygians shared more than just a geographic proximity—they also shared linguistic and, by extension, cultural elements. This challenges the traditional view of these cultures as entirely separate and independent and opens the door to new interpretations of their interactions.

Furthermore, the linguistic connections between Greek and Phrygian may also shed light on the broader question of Indo-European migrations and the spread of languages across the ancient world. The isogloss between Greek and Phrygian suggests a period of close contact, possibly during the Bronze Age, when these languages were still in the process of differentiation. This could imply that the Phrygians, who are traditionally believed to have migrated to Anatolia from the Balkans, may have had more prolonged and significant interactions with the Mycenaean Greeks than previously thought.

The Greek-Phrygian Linguistic Connection

The article explores the deep linguistic and historical connections between the Greek and Phrygian languages, two members of the Indo-European family. Scholars suggest that some Neo-Phrygian inscriptions may represent an Achaean Greek dialect, indicating potential linguistic convergence or a shared ancestral language. This relationship is further supported by the broader cultural and linguistic interactions across the eastern Mediterranean, where both languages were spoken in close geographical proximity.

Linguistic evidence reveals that Greek is widely regarded as the closest relative of Phrygian, with numerous shared phonological, morphological, and lexical features, suggesting a possible proto-Graeco-Phrygian stage. However, the fragmentary nature of the Phrygian language and the influence of other ancient Anatolian languages like Lydian and Hittite complicate the task of determining whether these similarities are due to common ancestry or later borrowing. This issue makes it challenging to definitively reconstruct the exact nature of the relationship between the two languages.

The study of Greek and Phrygian has significant implications for understanding the Indo-European language family. If a proto-Graeco-Phrygian language did exist, it could reshape current theories about the spread and development of Indo-European languages. The close relationship between Greek and Phrygian also provides valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic exchanges that occurred in the eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia during antiquity, offering a more nuanced understanding of the linguistic landscape of the region.

In conclusion, the study of the prehistoric Greek-Phrygian isogloss, exemplified by the connections between the Mycenaean word wanax and its Phrygian counterparts, offers valuable insights into the complex linguistic and cultural relationships of the ancient world. As scholars continue to explore these connections, we can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how these ancient peoples interacted, influenced each other, and contributed to the rich tapestry of human history.